October: What Changes in Spain?

What’s changing in Spain in October 2024?

October in Spain brings a host of changes and events, ranging from national holidays and local festivals to new regulations and protests. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Día de la Hispanidad – National Day
On October 12th, Spain will celebrate its Día de la Hispanidad, a national holiday marked by the massive military parade along Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana.

New Tourist Tax in Barcelona
Starting October 1st, holidaymakers staying in Barcelona should be aware of an increase in the city’s tourist tax, which will rise from €3.25 to €4 per person, per night, for all accommodations.

Clocks Go Back
Daylight saving time ends this month. On Sunday, October 27th at 02:00 hours, the clocks will go back by one hour, marking the onset of shorter winter days.

Public Consultation on Spain’s Rental Crisis
The Spanish government will hold a public consultation throughout early October to address the escalating rental prices and regulation of tourist rental properties. The public can submit recommendations until October 8th, as discontent regarding the rental market has led to widespread protests in several cities over the summer.

Property Protests in Valencia and Madrid
Continuing this theme, October will see more housing protests in Valencia and Madrid.
In Valencia, a demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, with the slogan “Valencia is drowning,” calling for access to affordable housing and regulation of the city’s increasing “touristification.”
In Madrid, on Sunday, October 13th, around 30 social groups will rally for housing rights, starting at Atocha at midday and marching through the city center toward Callao.

New ELA Law on the Verge of Approval
The long-awaited ELA law, initially designed to support those suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), could be approved on October 10th. If passed through the Senate, it will officially become law.

October Regional Holidays and Festivals
October also brings an array of regional holidays and festivals. Among the highlights:

Zaragoza’s Fiestas del Pilar
San Froilán in Lugo, Galicia
Moors and Christians Festival in Crevillent, Alicante
Fiesta del Marisco in O Grove, Galicia
Saffron Festival in Consuegra, Castilla-La Mancha
Valencia Day on October 9th
Other local celebrations such as Día de la Virgen del Rosario in Cádiz (October 7th), Día de San Rafael in Córdoba (October 24th), and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in La Gomera (October 7th).

New Hotel Registration Rules
From October 1st, new hotel registration rules will come into effect across Spain. Hotel guests will need to provide detailed information, including name, address, nationality, contact details, and relationships with other travelers. Every guest over 14 years of age must sign the entry form. Although these new requirements have drawn criticism from the tourism sector, they apply to all travelers, regardless of stay duration.

New Flight Routes
Several new flight routes will launch in October, offering more travel options to and from Spain, including: